Ongoing heat has prompted an early mango harvest for Riverland West, Australian producers G.M. Arnold & Son. David Arnold, director of the family business, noted the prolonged hot weather led to a harvest starting in the second week of February, concluding by month's end.
Despite the timing, the early season did not compromise the quality or yield of their mango crop. "We had a higher tonnage than we had last year," Mr. Arnold stated. The Arnolds primarily distribute their Kensington Pride mangoes to Melbourne, occasionally reaching Sydney markets.
Mr. Arnold remarked that prices were lower this year due to the early harvest. "Prices were probably not as good this year because they were a month early," he explained. The February harvest coincided with the availability of mangoes from northern states, impacting market dynamics. "I prefer harvest in March," Mr. Arnold mentioned, highlighting the competition with Keitt mangoes from northern Australia available during February.
The Arnolds' mango trees, sourced from a Queensland nursery, were planted about a decade ago to increase yield annually. Traditionally, mangoes are cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.
In the Riverland, mango trees start flowering in September or October, with fruit harvesting beginning in March. Mr. Arnold noted, "It usually takes about five or six months for our fruit to form." He believes Riverland-grown Kensington Prides have superior taste compared to those from northern Australia, citing less stringiness and smaller seeds as factors contributing to their flavor profile.
Source: ARRN